From Tool Mechanic to Head of Logistics at PURELEI - an Interview with Sebastian Imhof

Fresh Start in Logistics: Sebastian's Career Change at PURELEI

The logistics industry offers diverse opportunities – even for career changers. One of them is Sebastian Imhof, who originally comes from the automotive industry and today works as Head of Logistics at PURELEI. He manages the logistics warehouse in Mannheim with around 40 employees. In our conversation, he shares how he took this step, what challenges he encountered, and what particularly excites him about his job.

From the Automotive Industry to Logistics - a Bold Move

Sebastian Imhof worked in the automotive industry for 13 years, trained as a tool mechanic and later led a department. The switch to logistics came about through a fortunate coincidence: a former colleague moved to a logistics site and offered him the opportunity to help build structures and processes. The idea of taking on a new challenge after such a long time was initially unfamiliar. "13 years in the automotive industry – you don't just walk out the first door and leave," says Sebastian. But after some consideration, conversations, and a tour through the warehouse, today's Head of Logistics decided to make the switch – a decision he hasn't regretted to this day.

Flexibility Instead of Fixed Structures

Getting started in logistics brought some challenges with it. Although Sebastian already had experience with process optimization, he first had to learn the specific workflows in logistics. The flexibility in the industry is a particularly big adjustment: "In the automotive industry there are fixed structures, in logistics you often have to react at short notice," he reports. Nevertheless, he sees exactly this as one of the greatest opportunities for career changers: "Anyone willing to embrace new things and find creative solutions can make a real difference in logistics."

Challenges During Peak Times

Especially during peak periods like Black Friday or the pre-Christmas season, things can get stressful and creativity is required. "We plan our sales six to eight weeks in advance. Still, it can happen that a sale goes through the roof." Sebastian remembers a particularly challenging moment: "Despite good planning, we suddenly had 10,000 to 15,000 open orders and could only process 4,000 per day. We had to react quickly, bring in personnel from other areas, and restructure the workflows." Such situations show how crucial teamwork and flexibility are in logistics.

Routine and Boredom? No Way!

There's hardly a typical workday in PURELEI's warehouse, because every day brings new challenges. "At 8:20 a.m. we discuss current key figures and upcoming tasks with the team. Afterwards there's another meeting with the operations team. After that, the days vary – sometimes it's about personnel planning, sometimes about operational topics or process optimizations," Sebastian explains. Direct exchange with his team is particularly important to him.

Team Dynamics at PURELEI

For Sebastian, a well-functioning team is the key to success. "Only when morale is good and everyone can rely on each other does it really run smoothly," he emphasizes. To strengthen team dynamics, there are regular meetings, shared meals, or small gestures. But most important to him is open communication: "The best ideas come from the team – that's why we actively involve everyone in decisions."

Success Is Measured by Team Spirit

As site manager, Sebastian defines success not only by numbers, but above all by his team's satisfaction. "When my people come to work with joy and we achieve our goals together, then I know we're on the right track."

New projects are on the horizon for the future that should drive the company further forward. "We want to make optimizations in goods receipt and further improve workflows." Shipping the advent calendars also represents an exciting challenge, especially alongside PURELEI's major "Golden November" sale campaign. In the past, advent calendar logistics were outsourced and handled by external logistics service providers. This year, however, Sebastian's team will take on this task and is already preparing for it: "It's crucial that everything runs smoothly and we satisfy the customers."

Tips for Career Changers

For anyone considering a switch to logistics, Sebastian has clear advice: "Just do it! Be open to new things, don't be afraid of mistakes, and learn from them. The logistics industry offers many opportunities – you just have to seize them."

Sebastian shows that a career change into logistics is not only possible, but can also be an exciting challenge. With the right attitude, a bit of courage, and team spirit, you can make a real difference here – and that's exactly what makes the job so exciting for him.

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